Monday, May 01, 2006

M&M/W&W One Month Report: So Far, So Good, So What

So after Steve Trachsel did his Victor Zambrano impression yesterday, the Mets ended up with an 8-5 loss, and a 2-1 record at the Ted so far and a 6-4 record on a road trip that covered the entire country. That leaves them with a overall record of 16-8 and a 6 game lead in the NL East, the biggest in the majors this season. Still, I'm not totally satisfied, as two hits in yesterday's game could have brought another victory and an eight game lead. Yes, we Met fans are never satisfied. I know I should sit back and enjoy being in first place, but I can't. I know that Zambrano pitches tonight, a Norfolk call-up tomorrow, and that both will pitch against the Braves over the weekend.

(Shudder.)

Okay, with that out of the way, let's look at the one great thing about the 2006 Mets--they are not the 2005 Mets. This team seems to have a bit more of a swagger. They talk more confidently; they actually come back from what seem to be disastrous moments in games; and they have Gary Cohen calling their games on TV, with Fran Healy nowhere in sight. That last reason alone should get them to the World Series.

Now let's look at the key stats for the four players Mike and I decided to focus on once the season began almost a month ago:

Pedro Martinez: 5-0, 33K's, 2.94 ERAUmm, I think we're going to have to start coming up with new words to describe the job Pedro is doing, as fantastic just doesn't cut it. Except for his first starte where he played "Hide the Ball in Your Body" with Jose Gullien, Pedro has been in control of every game. That special shoe must be working wonders. And I think Pedro's upbeat personality and goofy view of the world is rubbing off on his teammates. Grade: A++

David Wright: .303, 5 HR's, 18 RBIAfter a really hot start over the first two weeks of the season, the Mets third basemen has cooled off as of late. Even when he slumped, he still got on base and he's stolen 6 bases. However, his fielding troubles of late are worrisome. Grade: B

Kaz Matsui: .297, one crazy season starting inside the park HRAlmost every Met fan dreaded Matsui's return once defensive phenom/offensive sinkhole Anderson Hernandez hit the DL. So imagine my surprise when Matsui made great defensive plays, looked more comfortable at the plate and was seen numerous times smiling. It makes me wish that fans won't boo him tonight. Of course, I also wish that I would hit Mega Millions, but that's not coming true either. Grade: C+

Victor Zambrano: 1-2, 2.07 WHIP, 9.64 ERA.Have I hated a Mets player more? Hmm, let me think. Bobby Bonilla is the only one I've hated more. If Zambrano ripped apart his hammy running the bases, I would buy a round for everybody at the bar. How much longer can this loser stink up what, on the surface, looks like a winning team? Grade: F for Fuck You Zambrano

So there you go. May day is here, as are the light-hitting Nationals and Pirates this week. With Atlanta coming up again Friday, the Mets need to take 3 out of 4, or the goodwill of April will be a distant memory.